SENATE DISTRICT 25

Albion, Benton, Clinton, Unity Township, Waterville, Winslow

NAME: Brent E. Hutchins

AGE: 54

POLITICAL PARTY: Republican

RESIDENCE: Albion

EMPLOYMENT: works for Marden's Surplus & Salvage; former elementary teacher, School Administrative District 37, which includes Addison, Cherryfield, Columbia, Columbia Falls, Harrington, Milbridge.

EDUCATION: B.S., education, University of Maine at Machias

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: former Albion selectman

NAME: Lisa Marrache

AGE: 40

POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat

RESIDENCE: Waterville

EMPLOYMENT: Family physician

EDUCATION: M.D., medicine; B.S., chemistry

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Current senator representing District 25, served one term; State representative, House District 77, Waterville, 6 years; former Waterville city councilor representing Ward 7; former ward clerk, Ward 7.

1. What can you, as a state legislator, do to help people struggling this year with the high cost of gas and oil?

HUTCHINS: "We can create real energy savings for Mainers by offering tax credits to small businesses and homeowners who invest in weatherizing their homes or businesses. By offsetting the cost of creating energy efficiency, the cost to keep warm this winter will be significantly reduced. I also support exploring how alternatives like wind, solar and tidal energy can power our state for less."

MARRACHE: "I would look to make changes in how far our dollars can be stretched with efficiency standards on heating appliances, rebates for weatherization and continued heating assistance for those with limited resources. Financial help or incentives for upgrades to more efficient and additional heat loss measures should be maximized for residences and small business."

2. How would you handle the biggest issues facing the towns in your district?

MARRACHE: "The biggest issues facing towns in my district are not any different than what is facing the rest of America such as the cost of food and lights, medications and gas. I would work to make these functions of daily living more affordable by strengthening efficient and proven programs at the state level and making those that are not more accountable and streamlined."

HUTCHINS: "Like most towns and cities in Maine, our local economy is struggling. When leaders make the tough decisions to lower our income and property taxes, expand affordable private health insurance options and lower our energy costs, we can stimulate our local economy. The new, good-paying jobs and opportunities will finally give residents of our communities the financial security they deserve."

3. Do you have any plans that would result in more jobs for Maine?

HUTCHINS: "We can attract new jobs if we tear down the roadblocks keeping new businesses from operating shop here in Maine. Working for Marden's, I have seen first-hand how Maine's high taxes and burdensome legislation are keeping businesses from growing and creating new opportunities. Common sense spending priorities, lower taxes and responsible regulatory reforms will give small business owners the chance to grow."

MARRACHE: "With more than 95 percent of all businesses in Maine being small businesses, I will work hard to make entrepreneurship easier as well as successful. Large businesses and most small businesses are involved in organizations that draft legislation to address these issues and I will be open to them as long as the bill protects the business and the community it will impact."

4. What do you think of the beverage tax repeal on the November ballot?

MARRACHE: "In hard economic times, we need to help our small businesses who have purchased Dirigo insurance for themselves and their employees (about 18,000 people). Currently, there are 620 small businesses that use this program for health care coverage. Beer, wine and soda have led to a number of health issues such as obesity, dependency and liver problems, to name a few. A few pennies to offset the cost of health care is something I support. I look forward to finding out what other Mainers feel are more important to them -- health care or sugar syrup or alcoholic beverages."

HUTCHINS: "The new $70 million tax increase on health care and beverages show how out of touch Augusta politicians really are. With one of the highest tax burdens in the nation, it is irresponsible for politicians to increase the burden even further. I support the citizen's right to overturn bad policies coming out of the Legislature, but I believe a change in leadership in Augusta will prevent reckless policies from coming forward in the future."

5. Would you support legislation to change the income tax or sales tax?

HUTCHINS: "Taxes in Maine are too high. Our income tax is making it too difficult for Maine families to save for the future and is hurting our small businesses. To provide the financial security Mainers deserve, the income tax must be reduced. I will work hard in the Senate to lower our income tax without shifting the burden elsewhere."

MARRACHE: "I do support lowering income taxes. This would give people in Maine a chance to see their earned income increased. It would assist in stabilizing the family budget and also would improve the business climate in Maine by enticing people to come, work and invest their companies here. Increasing the sales tax would only be considered if the outcry from the people for lost programs or services along with a groundswell of support from the people deemed it necessary."

6. What's the biggest social issue facing the state in the next two years?

MARRACHE: "In the next two years we will see an increase in the need for nursing home space, direct care workers, low income housing and health care. With the financial bailout in Washington, there will be even more tightening of federal aid to the states which thus limits our help to marginalized citizens. We have the distinction of having the oldest citizens in the country here in Maine. Living on a fixed income for them is going to get harder. We need to anticipate this and plan for a strong safety net."

HUTCHINS: "The success of our state depends on a strong economy that attracts new jobs and opportunities. A top-notch education, access to quality health care and support for our most vulnerable citizens depends upon an economy that encourages innovation and investment in Maine. The next two years will be a fragile time for Maine."